Macy Gray - An Interview by Hedda Prochaska

If something is truly unique, it simply cannot be duplicated. There is no mistaking it, and no point trying to replicate it.  

Such is the case with Macy Gray’s voice.   

When she answered the phone last Friday, there was not a doubt in my mind who was speaking. The raspy quality of her voice made every answer sound effortless and cool, while her casual way of responding gave the interview the air of catching up with a friend. 

As I listened, I quickly realized Gray’s story was as captivating as her voice.  

After a 4-year break from the music industry, and more than a few obstacles, Gray was obviously excited about the release of her latest album.  

“It’s really different: fresh, bold, very musical, really progressive,” Gray explained. “It’s got R&B, a little hip hop, rock and roll – everything that I’m a fan of.” 

The album is raw, honest, and reflective of Gray’s recent experiences.  

“The album captures different things I’ve been thru over the last few years,” such as her recent divorce, and suddenly becoming a single mom. The new direction creatively is also a result of professional journey. 

“There’ve just been a lot of changes, a lot of political stuff, and I learned a lot about my industry,” said Gray. “I was taken down a peg ego wise, but it was actually good for me. I think I needed that to happen, and things happen for a reason.”  

“I’ve really grown up in the past few years and it’s about how far I’ve become as an artist.” 

However, the personal nature of the album was not a result of individual work. Gray’s “humbling” experience left her wanting to try something new, so she decided to collaborate with artists such as will.i.am, Justin Timberlake, Natalie Cole, Fergie and Teedra Moses. 

“Oh it was great,” Gray shared. “I’ve been using only one producer in the past, but on this one I ventured out, and learned lot.” She credits the feel of her new album to this collaborative effort.  

“It’s all about who you go into the studio with,” Gray said. “Lots of different energies.” The result is a more mature album that defies the notion of a single genre.  

While he voice is unmistakable, the musical elements in her latest album are quite different from previous work. 

“It’s a lot sexier,” admitted Gray, “and just the fact that I go in with different people makes a difference right from the get-go. It’s definitely more progressive.” 

Perhaps her decision to collaborate musically was natural after collaborating with actors like Denzel Washington and Cuba Gooding, Jr.  

Enjoying success in acting during her break from music, Gray appeared in movies such as Training Day, Scary Movie, Dominoe, and Shadowboxer. She was even honored with a NAACP Image Award nomination for her supporting role in HBO’s Lackawanna Blues. 

Her favorite role was playing in OutKast’s Idlewild musical, showcasing her acting and singing skills. Even though her music has recently been her sole focal point, she is not abandoning the world of acting just yet. 

“All my experiences in the studio have been really great,” Gray said, “but I’m reading scripts right now. I just took a couple years off to focus on my album.”

Other ventures competing for her time include establishing a music school for kids and starting multiple clothing lines. 

“The music school is for kids between 9 and 15 [years-old], and it’s great,” Gray said. “The students do a lot of singing, a lot of jamming, and then make their own Websites.” 

“The clothes are for curvaceous, normal-sized girls,” Gray continued, “with really great graphic logo driven clothes.” 

But no matter how many ways Gray reinvents herself she is first and foremost a musician. Her album offers insight into her complicated world, allowing listeners to experience firsthand what she’s been through.  

And simply put, “It’s beautiful, go get it.”   

Quick Facts

CD in your car right now: “Mine”

Favorite song on the new album: “Ghetto Love”

Favorite color: “Red”

Favorite flavor of ice cream: “Cookies and Cream”

Last movie you saw: “Smoking Aces”

Who you’d like to collaborate with next: “I’d love to go in with Timbaland”

Favorite thing about being a mom: “I learn so much just being around them.”